Cruising Atlantic Canada: Halifax, Saint John, Sydney & Beyond

During the next several days, Avid Cruiser will feature cruising Atlantic Canada in posts, photos and videos. We were there for two weeks last fall to explore the region. What we found was a wonderful collection of charming destinations with extremely easy access from homeports in the Northeast. For a quick overview, check out the video below. If you have trouble viewing it, click here.

I love cruising the beautiful region of Atlantic Canada. And let be the first to tell you that Atlantic Canada offers much, much more than the blazing colors of the fall foliage. So don’t think of cruising this region only during the fall. Atlantic Canada is an exciting destination at any time.

Atlantic Canada is about much more than fall foliage: Beautiful Newfoundland scenery at Norris Point, in Gros Morne National Park, a call on cruise ship itineraries.

First and foremost, this is a region of extremely hospitable people. I was once told before disembarking a ship in Halifax that the people there were among the world’s friendliest. That sentiment was validated when I sneezed stepping off the ship and five people responded to my sneeze with “Bless you.”

The warmth and friendliest of the people in Atlantic Canada is only one reason to visit this beautiful region. Another reason to visit is that the region is rich in history, culture and scenic beauty — plus, it’s a fun place to explore.

On assignment: Chris Stanley and Ralph Grizzle harnessed and ready for their zipline adventure in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

You can get your adrenalin going on ziplines, kayaks and jet boats. Or for a more relaxed adventure, board a boat for lobster excursions in Charlottetown or for sailing adventures from Sydney. I did all of this during my visit to Atlantic Canada and loved it.

Take a step back in time at Fortress Louisbourg.

You can relive history at sites operated by Parks Canada, such as the Fortress of Louisbourg, Carleton Martello Tower, or the Halifax Citadel, where you can dress up to be a soldier for a day. I put on the soldier’s uniform and even got to fire a vintage rifle.

Fire a vintage rifle at the Halifax Citadel.

Snap a photo of the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, reputed to be the world’s most photographed lighthouse.

Hike in beautiful forests, travel along scenic coastlines, witness the world’s highest tides and walk on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks. Ride through the rapids created by those tides on a jet boat in Saint John. You’ll never forget these experiences.

Walk on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks.

There’s much more. Marvel at majestic Gros Morne National Park. Watch eagles soar. Dine on delicious lobster. Eat a timbit. Don’t know what a timbit is? You need to go to Atlantic Canada.

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Atlantic Canada comprises four provinces – Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. Plus, there are many other smaller ports in the region. All can be reached on an easy cruise from New York City or Boston. I love the idea of sailing past the Manhattan skyline or Boston’s cityscape to a place as picturesque as say, Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

Warm and welcoming people, history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. Lots of fun activities — and all within easy reach from the gangway of your ship. This is Ralph Grizzle, encouraging you to visit one of my favorite cruise destinations. Atlantic Canada.

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It was really great to have Ralph Grizzle visit our region and capture on film his expereinces.

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I'm here to help you make informed cruise vacation decisions.

My name is Ralph Grizzle. I'm an extremely fortunate guy who has been able to sail on more than 200 cruises. I help consumers make informed cruise vacation decisions
with my cruise, ship and destination reviews and more than 300 videos with 2 million+ views — and counting. Click.View.Cruise. If you get stuck or feel lost, please feel free to contact me. Bon Voyage!

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